The Benoni police are again warning residents against criminals pretending to be police officers who are phoning people who have had their cars stolen or hijacked.
Spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said when a stolen car is recovered the victim is not required to pay for it to be towed to the police pound.
“Scamsters are contacting victims and telling them that their vehicle has been recovered and a fee is payable for the towing costs,” said Sekele. “They further inform the victims that the fee has to be paid electronically.”
ALSO READ:
Beware of vehicle pound scamsters
She reiterated the police do not charge for the towing of stolen and abandoned vehicles to the police pound.
Recently, these scammers call the victims and mention a certain policer officer. However, there is no such officer at the pound.
“We are appealing to the community to work with the police and report those incidents in order to prevent such criminal activities. People must remember criminals are opportunists who always strike when a person is vulnerable,” she said.
Sekele added that the community has the right to know who is investigating their case and to be updated about the investigation. “Under no circumstances should anyone pay for a vehicle to be towed to the police pound.”
If you have been a victim of this scam, contact the Benoni Police Station on 011 747 0000 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
ALSO READ:
Man (47) arrested for impersonating a police officer at the SAPS Vehicle Pound
